Post offices prepare for last minute tax filers

PINE BELT (WDAM) - Post offices across the state are preparing for last minute tax filers. Friday is the last day to file tax returns.

According to Katie Lawson, with the state department of revenue, 125,000 Mississippians will file their taxes Tuesday and about 135,000 will ask for an extension.

The deadline is usually April 15. However, Monday was a federal holiday and the deadline was extended for two days.

If you need extra time, you can fill out form 4868 and get an extension until Oct. 15, but there's a catch to this extension. You could owe more money by doing this, so it's suggested to pay taxes by the April 17 deadline to keep Uncle Sam happy.

However, if you're filing your tax returns by mail or by the U.S. Postal Service, here are a few tips for you:

Drop off taxes at local post office as early as possible.

Pay attention to the collection/closing times.

Make sure you have the right amount of postage for your documents.

If depositing returns in a collection box on April 17, double-check the pick-up schedule on the collection box.

To ensure getting the April 17 postmark, deposit returns before the last scheduled pick-up time.

If filing on April 17, mail early in the day at any Post Office. Be sure to verify Post Office hours of operation.

When possible, use the envelope provided by the IRS and be sure to include a return address. If the envelope provided by the IRS is unavailable, be sure to verify the IRS address where returns should be mailed.

Listed below are the opening and closing times of local post offices here in the Pine Belt:

Hattiesburg (220 South 40th Ave.) 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Hattiesburg (5297 Old Highway 11) 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Petal (121 Morrist Street) 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Richton (201 Front Street) 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Laurel (315 Sawmill Rd.) 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Laurel (140 Leontyne Price Blvd) 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Ellisville (303 South Court Street) 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Columbia (815 Main Street) 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Collins (304 South Dogwood Ave.) 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Purvis (5851 U.S. Highway 11) 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Lumberton (7877 U.S. Highway 11) 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Waynesboro (704 Azalea Drive) 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Lawson said the average state refund in Mississippi is $249. If you're due for a refund, you can expect to receive payment for to six weeks after filing.